COLOURED LABOUR.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2364, 2 June 1892, Page 1

COLOURED LABOUR.

Brisbane, May 31. Sir S. Griffith, in the course of an interview, said that the statements made by Mr Smith in the House of Commons were wild and extravagant rhapsodies, of ■which he declined to take notice. All the criticisms on the Kanaka trade appeared to have been concerning the traffic before the regulations of 1884 were passed. He was quite satisfied that the majority of the genuine working men in Queensland were not opposed to the introduction of Kanaka labour. Mr Smith’s allegation that the islands would be depopulated was au argument that might apply to any form of emigration. The sugar industry, which was in extremities, had already materially revived at the prospect of a supply of labour. He was glad to see the attitude taken up by the Imperial Government. Adelaide, May 31.

Mr Playford, Premier of South Australia, has sent a telegram to the Premier of the other Australasian colonies, saying that the South Australia Government intend to consider the question of the introduction of coolies into the Northern Territory in connection with the development of tropical agricultural industries. He is of opinion that the object should have more than provincial consideration, and suggests that a conference be held between representatives of the various Governments for the purpose of discussing the question of the immigration of coloured labourers, with a view to the adoption by the Federal Council of a course of action. THE STORM AT MAURITIUS. Albany, May 31. ’ Details of the severe storm which visited Mauritius are to hand. A third of St. Louis was annihilated. Countless houses and public buildings, including twenty-four churches, were razed to the ground. The greater part of the sugar crop was destroyed. It is estimated that 25,000 people have been rendered homeless. There was no indication in the morning of the approach of the storm, but at noon the wind increased to the rate of OS miles per hour, with terrific squalls. Still no damage was done. At 2.40 p.m. there was a lull for an hour, when suddenly the wind veered round to the south-west, a hissing noise was heard, followed by squalls of wind of terrific speed, which burst like a clap of thunder, causing fearful vibration of buildings. Squall followed squall in quick succession, and the rate the wind was blowing was 128 miles per hour. The sights in the streets were of a horrible character, as the buildings began to fall. The wind soon abated, and within an hour relief parties were out. The debris catching fire was a new element of destruction, and many of the wounded in the falling buildings were burnt to death. The estimated damage to buildings is 12,000,000 rupees, and to the sugar crop 14,000,009 rupees. The damage to the country is assesssed at 2,000,000 rupees.